Steelers face tough offseason choices

Speedster Mike Wallace will one of the Steelers' representatives in today's NFL Pro Bowl, and if a recent trend continues, don't expect him to be one of the game's stars.

Wallace, a third-year wide receiver, began the 2011 season on a tear, compiling at least 100 receiving yards in his first three games and at least 70 yards in each of the first eight games.

But the second half of the season was a different story. He didn't have any 100-yard games and only eclipsed 70 yards once, and he caught just three passes for 26 yards in the team's playoff loss to Denver.

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Mirror file photo by J.D. Cavrich
Mike Wallace will be the key contract to work out for the Steelers this offseason.

Despite the declining numbers, signing Wallace to a multi-year contract still ranks as the Steelers' biggest priority in the offseason. Many events contributed to Wallace's downfall in the second half of the season - Antonio Brown's emergence and Ben Roethlisberger's ankle sprain among them - and the Steelers know he is a big part of their future.

Wallace is a restricted free agent, meaning the Steelers can match any offer another team makes to him. To sign him, though, the team will need to trim some money elsewhere, which means veteran receiver Hines Ward will either be asked to take a pay cut or will be released.

Wallace is just one of seven Steelers who are restricted free agents. The others are guards Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster, tight end David Johnson, cornerback Keenan Lewis, safety Ryan Mundy and tackle Jamon Meredith.

If the Steelers continue as they have done in the past, expect nearly all of those seven to re-sign with the team.

However, 10 Steelers are unrestricted free agents, meaning they are on the open market for anyone to sign. Of those, quarterback Byron Leftwich and offensive lineman Trai Essex may have the best chance of being Steelers in 2012. But it is more uncertain if the Steelers will try and bring back quarterbacks Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon, cornerbacks William Gay and Anthony Madison, receiver Jerricho Cotchery, tackle Max Starks, punter Daniel Sepulveda and running back Mewelde Moore.

The team is reportedly $25 million over the salary cap, so they are going to have to make some interesting decisions before the March 13 deadline. Some of those decisions could signal the end for some Steelers veterans, such as Ward, Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, James Farrior or Chris Kemoeatu.

The following is a position-by-position analysis for the Steelers as they prepare for their offseason decisions. Ages listed are what the players will be during the 2012 season, and salary cap figures are unofficial and rounded.

Quarterbacks

Ben Roethlisberger: Age: 30. Contract status: Signed for four more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $17 million. 2011 recap: Started all but one game and threw for 4,077 yards with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. An ankle sprain in early December hampered him the rest of the season, but he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl.

Byron Leftwich: Age: 32. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Broke his left arm in a preseason game and was placed on injured reserve for the entire season.

Charlie Batch: Age: 37/38. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Started one game and led the Steelers to a victory over the St. Louis Rams. Completed 15-of-24 passes for 208 yards.

Dennis Dixon: Age: 27. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Did not see any action in the regular season after seeing ample time in the preseason. Was only activated for five games.

Troy Smith: Age: 28. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: After playing in the NFL for four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, started one game this past year for the Omaha Nighthawks in the UFL.

Jerrod Johnson: Age: 24. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was in the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp.

Position analysis: Roethlisberger will need to "tweak'' his game a little bit now that he'll be in his 30s and will be working for a new offensive coordinator. Batch was the backup this past season because he's been the healthiest but doesn't have much left in his aging body. The Steelers like Leftwich and will probably try and bring him back in the hopes that he can avoid the injury bug. Dixon's time in Pittsburgh appears to be finished.

Running backs

Rashard Mendenhall: Age: 25. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $2 million. 2011 recap: Rushed for 928 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Tore his ACL in his right knee in the regular-season finale and missed the playoff game in Denver.

Isaac Redman: Age: 27/28. Contract status: Exclusive rights free agent. 2011 recap: Rushed for 479 yards on 110 carries and scored three touchdowns. Rushed for 121 yards in Mendenhall's absence in the playoff loss in Denver.

Mewelde Moore: Age: 30. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Missed four regular-season games and the playoff game due to ankle and knee injuries. Rushed for 157 yards on 22 carries and caught 11 passes.

Jonathan Dwyer: Age: 23. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $570,000. 2011 recap: Saw action in seven games and rushed for 123 yards with 76 of them coming on one run against the Tennessee Titans. Missed the last four regular-season games with a broken foot.

John Clay: Age: 24. Contract status: Undisclosed. 2012 salary cap: $400,000. 2011 recap: Rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries in the final two games after spending the first 14 games on the practice squad.

Baron Batch: Age: 24/25. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $480,000. 2011 recap: Was a training camp surprise before tearing an ACL and was placed on injured reserve for his rookie season.

Chad Spann: Age: 24. Contract status: Undisclosed. 2012 salary cap: $390,000. 2011 recap: Was on the practice squad for the final three regular-season games and was activated for the playoff game in Denver.

Position analysis: Mendenhall will need to rebound from offseason surgery and could benefit with more of an emphasis on running the football under the new offensive coordinator. Redman showed he's a quality backup but may not be a fulltime starter. Dwyer and Clay showed flashes in 2011 as potential contributors, and a healthy Batch could take over Moore's role.

Wide receivers

Mike Wallace: Age: 26. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Caught 72 passes for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns, but his production went down over the last half of the season. Was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Antonio Brown: Age: 24. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $560,000. 2011 recap: Was voted team MVP and earned a Pro Bowl nod after setting a team record for all-purpose yards. Caught 69 passes for 1,108 yards and averaged 10.8 on punt returns and 27.3 on kickoff returns.

Hines Ward: Age: 36. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $4.6 million. 2011 recap: Saw his contributions drop significantly with 46 receptions for 381 yards and two touchdowns. Was replaced by Brown in the starting lineup for three games.

Emmanuel Sanders: Age: 25. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $740,000. 2011 recap: Missed five games due to a hamstring injury and caught 22 passes for 288 yards and two scores.

Jerricho Cotchery: Age: 30. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Caught 16 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns while stealing time from Ward.

Arnaz Battle: Age: 32. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $1.4 million. 2011 recap: Played mostly on special teams, but a hamstring injury limited his action in the second half of the season.

Derrick Williams: Age: 26. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Did not play in the NFL after getting cut by the Detroit Lions before the season. Had played two previous years with the Lions.

Jimmy Young: Age: 25. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was in the Chicago Bears' training camp.

Tyler Beiler: Age: 23/24. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad.

David Gilreath: Age: 23/24. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was on the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills.

Position analysis: The Steelers' biggest offseason quest will be to lock up Wallace to a multi-year contract. They may even work on extensions for Brown and Sanders to keep those three on board for several seasons. Ward cannot return in the same role for the amount of money he makes, so he will need to take a significant pay cut. If Ward's released, Cotchery showed he can fill the same role at a much lesser price. Battle could also be released to save cap room.

Tight ends

Heath Miller: Age: 29/30. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $7 million. 2011 recap: Enjoyed an injury-free season and caught 51 passes for 631 yards and two touchdowns.

David Johnson: Age: 25. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Started every game as a blocking tight end/fullback. Caught 12 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown but wasn't a reliable receiver.

Weslye Saunders: Age: 23. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $480,000. 2011 recap: Played in every game but caught just four passes for 29 yards and one touchdown.

Jamie McCoy: Age: 25. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was on the Steelers' practice squad for the entire season.

Position analysis: Miller's contributions did not quite reach his potential, especially with only two touchdown receptions. He's still a top tight end who is a solid blocker. Johnson performs his role adequately, but Saunders needs to take a step forward to give the team another pass receiving threat. Look for the team to take at least one tight end in April's draft.

Centers/guards

Maurkice Pouncey: Age: 23. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $2.2 million. 2011 recap: Delivered a Pro Bowl-type season at center until sustaining an ankle sprain on Dec. 8 that kept him out of action for two of the final three regular-season games and the playoff game in Denver. Will also miss the Pro Bowl.

Doug Legursky: Age: 26. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Started the season as the starting right guard and lost that job to Ramon Foster. Replaced Chris Kemoeatu at left guard but missed four games due to a left shoulder injury. Finished the season as the starting center after Pouncey was injured.

Ramon Foster: Age: 26. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Moved into the starting lineup at right guard in Week 4 and kept his starting position the rest of the season.

Chris Kemoeatu: Age: 29. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $5.2 million. 2011 recap: Lost his starting left guard position to Legursky in Week 5 but regained it for four weeks while Legursky was injured. Went back to the bench in December but ended up starting again in the final regular-season game and playoff game.

Trai Essex: Age: 29/30. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Was re-signed by the Steelers before the season and ended up being a valuable, versatile lineman, playing all five positions. Earned starts at left tackle and left guard and filled in at center nicely against the St. Louis Rams.

John Malecki: Age: 24. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was on the Steelers' practice squad for four weeks and then re-signed to the practice squad before Week 17.

Position analysis: Pouncey is the key to the offensive line, but he needs to overcome the nagging injuries. Legursky and Foster will most likely return and need to continue to over-achieve. Releasing Kemoeatu will be a big help in getting under the salary cap. His pass blocking skills forced him to the bench this past year. Essex is the perfect guy to have as a backup lineman and should be re-signed.

Tackles

Max Starks: Age: 30. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Was re-signed by the Steelers on Oct. 5 and immediately thrust into the starting lineup. Started every game after his return and provided stability on the line until tearing his ACL in his right knee during the playoff game in Denver.

Willie Colon: Age: 29. Contract status: Signed for four more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $5.7 million. 2011 recap: The starting right tackle sustained a torn triceps in the opening game in Baltimore and missed the rest of the season. This came after he missed the entire 2010 season with a torn Achilles tendon.

Marcus Gilbert: Age: 24. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $700,000. 2011 recap: Took over for Colon at right tackle in Week 2 and started the rest of the season except for two games - one because of a shoulder injury and another due to a benching.

Jonathan Scott: Age: 29. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $2.7 million. 2011 recap: Was given the starting left tackle job at the beginning of the season but lost it to Starks after he sustained a left ankle injury against the Indianapolis Colts. Started two games for Gilbert at right tackle and filled in when needed.

Jamon Meredith: Age: 26. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Was signed after Colon was lost for the season and spent the rest of the year on the active roster. Only saw action in three games.

Chris Scott: Age: 25. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was on the active roster for the first four games but then was released and signed to the practice squad after Starks arrived.

Trevis Turner: Age: 25. Contract status: Reserve/future: 2011 recap: Was on the Steelers' practice squad for the entire season.

Position analysis: Starks did an admirable job this year, but his injuries are starting to catch up to him. If Colon makes up for lost time and re-solidifies the right tackle position, Gilbert could start taking over at left tackle with Jonathan Scott as insurance. The Steelers, also, haven't given up yet on draft pick Chris Scott.

Defensive tackles

Casey Hampton: Age: 35. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $8 million. 2011 recap: Missed three regular-season games with a shoulder injury but was in the lineup for the other 13 games. Tore his ACL in his left knee in the playoff loss in Denver.

Steve McLendon: Age: 26. Contract status: Exclusive rights free agent. 2011 recap: Played in all but two games and earned a start against the Arizona Cardinals when Hampton and Chris Hoke were injured.

Al Woods: Age: 25. Contract status: Undisclosed. 2012 salary cap: $540,000. 2011 recap: Spent time with the Seattle Seahawks before the Steelers claimed him on Nov. 9. Was on the active roster for the final seven games of the regular season but was never activated on game days.

Kade Weston: Age: 25/26. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: The former New England Patriots draft pick was on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad.

Mike Blanc: Age: 25. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was in the San Diego Chargers' training camp.

Position analysis: Hampton counts "heavily'' toward the salary cap and may be asked to re-structure his contract. It seems unlikely the Steelers would release him because they don't have anyone ready to take over for him at nose tackle. Hoke retired, and McLendon needs a little more experience. If the Steelers are going to stay in a 3-4 defense, it's imperative that they find Hampton's successor in this year's draft or start seeing what Ziggy Hood can do at the position.

Defensive ends

Brett Keisel: Age: 33/34. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $4.5 million. 2011 recap: Missed two starts at right defensive end early in the year due to a sprained ligament in his left knee. Was effective all season until a groin injury hampered him late in the year.

Ziggy Hood: Age: 25. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $1.7 million. 2011 recap: Moved into the starting lineup at right defensive end in Week 3 for Keisel, then two weeks later started at left defensive end for Aaron Smith and stayed there the rest of the season. Didn't really enjoy a breakout year.

Aaron Smith: Age: 36. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $3 million. 2011 recap: Started the first four games at left defensive end. A neck injury then forced him to go on injured reserve again and miss the rest of the season.

Cameron Heyward: Age: 23. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $1.5 million. 2011 recap: Saw significant playing time for a rookie due to injuries to others and ended up playing in every game. A blocked kick against the Cincinnati Bengals was his most memorable play.

Miguel Chavis: Age: 23/24. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $466,000. 2011 recap: Tore his left pectoral muscle in training camp and was placed on injured reserve.

Corbin Bryant: Age: 24. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Played in one game against the Arizona Cardinals but was on the Steelers' practice squad for 14 of the 16 regular-season games.

Position analysis: Hood and Heyward are the future here, but Keisel still has a few years left in him if he can overcome the groin injury. Hood needs to take a big step forward in 2012 if he wants a big contract extension in the near future. The aging and ailing Smith should announce his retirement soon, but his stubbornness may force the Steelers' hand.

Inside linebackers

James Farrior: Age: 37. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $3.8 million. 2011 recap: Started at left inside linebacker all year except two games at midseason due to a calf injury. Finished with 90 tackles while splitting time with Larry Foote.

Lawrence Timmons: Age: 26. Contract status: Signed for five more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $9 million. 2011 recap: Started every game, including four at outside linebacker, and finished with 91 tackles, second best on the team.

Larry Foote: Age: 32. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $3.6 million. 2011 recap: Started five games and played in every game except one due to a hamstring injury. Finished with 49 tackles.

Stevenson Sylvester: Age: 24. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $580,000. 2011 recap: Started one game and played in every other one except for the Kansas City Chiefs game due to a calf injury. Biggest contributions came on special teams.

Mortty Ivy: Age: 26. Contract status: Undisclosed. 2012 salary cap: $465,000. 2011 recap: Was on the active roster for five weeks but didn't see much playing time. Spent another seven weeks on the practice squad.

Marshall McFadden: Age: 26. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Was not in the NFL after coming out of South Carolina State.

Position analysis: Timmons hasn't quite reached the Pro Bowl level, but he does a lot on defense for the team. Farrior didn't play like a 36-year-old last year, but he didn't play like a 27-year-old either. The Farrior and Foote duo was solid, but their combined salaries are pretty significant for a team looking to slice money. Sylvester appears to be ready to take on a more significant role in 2012, which could make one of the two veterans expendable.

Outside linebackers

James Harrison: Age: 34. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $9 million. 2011 recap: Started 11 games but was suspended for one game and missed four due to a fractured right orbital bone. Was selected to the Pro Bowl after recording 62 tackles, including nine sacks.

LaMarr Woodley: Age: 27/28. Contract status: Signed for five more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $11.5 million. 2011 recap: Was having a monster year through the first eight games until a hamstring injury sustained against the New England Patriots derailed his season. Saw limited time in three of the remaining games and finished with nine sacks.

Jason Worilds: Age: 24. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $900,000. 2011 recap: Was forced into the starting lineup for seven games and finished with 37 tackles and three sacks. Missed four games in the first half of the season due to a left quadriceps injury.

Chris Carter: Age: 23. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $500,000. 2011 recap: Played in eight games as a rookie but missed three of the first four games and the last five regular-season games and playoff game due to hamstring injuries.

Erik Clanton: Age: 24/25. Contract status: Undisclosed. 2012 salary cap: $466,000. 2011 recap: Sustained a thigh injury in training camp and was on injured reserve for the entire season.

Position analysis: Harrison and Woodley create one of the best outside duos in the league - maybe the best - when they're healthy. Harrison is getting up there in age but hasn't compiled as many minutes on an NFL field as a typical 34-year-old veteran may have. Worilds hasn't been spectacular and needs to raise his level of play up a notch in his third year. Carter just needs to stay healthy and get experience.

Cornerbacks

Ike Taylor: Age: 32. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $7.6 million. 2011 recap: Didn't miss any games and was a solid starter at right cornerback all season until the playoff game in Denver. Had 39 tackles and two interceptions.

William Gay: Age: 27. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Moved into the starting spot at left cornerback in Week 2 and kept his job the entire season. Got beat for the winning touchdown at home against the Baltimore Ravens but delivered key plays in other games. Had 56 tackles and two interceptions.

Keenan Lewis: Age: 26. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Was a somewhat surprise contributor as a nickel back and played in every game. Finished with 31 tackles and had a key interception against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cortez Allen: Age: 23/24. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $560,000. 2011 recap: Played in every game as a rookie except one - separated shoulder - and finished with 10 tackles. Was a big contributor on special teams.

Curtis Brown: Age: 23/24. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $600,000. 2011 recap: Led the team with 15 special teams tackles, but his rookie season ended after the 13th game due to a knee injury.

Bryant McFadden: Age: 30/31. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $2.7 million. 2011 recap: Started the first game at left cornerback, but a hamstring injury forced him to miss the next two games and he never regained his starting position back from Gay. Played mostly special teams.

Anthony Madison: Age: 30/31. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Played in five games with the Detroit Lions and then was signed by the Steelers for the playoff game in Denver.

Antonio Smith: Age: 28. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: Has not played in the NFL for a couple of seasons after spending time with the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Walter McFadden: Age: 25. Contract status: Reserve/future. 2011 recap: The former Oakland Raiders draft pick and younger brother of Bryant McFadden, spent last year on the practice squads of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals.

Position analysis: Taylor usually bounces back from bad performances - it would be detrimental to the team if he doesn't. Lewis, Allen and Brown have given the Steelers hope that they can find a quality starter out of one of them to pair with Taylor. That would make Gay expendable and also help them feel at ease when they release Bryant McFadden to save cap room.

Safeties

Troy Polamalu: Age: 31. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $11.3 million. 2011 recap: Started every game at strong safety despite sustaining concussion-like symptoms. Contributed 90 tackles and two interceptions but wasn't the game changer he was in 2010. Selected to the Pro Bowl but will not play.

Ryan Clark: Age: 32/33. Contract status: Signed for two more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $4.3 million. 2011 recap: Enjoyed one of his best seasons at free safety with a team-high 100 tackles and an interception and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Missed the playoff game in Denver due to his having the sickle cell trait, and his absence hurt the Steelers.

Ryan Mundy: Age: 27. Contract status: Restricted free agent. 2011 recap: Was a contributor on defense, but he didn't deliver when pressed into starting duty in the playoff game in Denver. Was solid on special teams with a key pass reception and 13 tackles.

Will Allen: Age: 30. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $1.6 million. 2011 recap: Played in every game and recorded nine tackles on special teams. Didn't contribute much on defense.

Damon Cromartie-Smith: Age: 25. Contract status: Undisclosed. 2012 salary cap: $465,000. 2011 recap: Spent most of the season on the practice squad before getting promoted to the active roster for the final four regular-season games and playoff game.

Position analysis: Polamalu and Clark form a safety combination that would probably rank as the best in the NFL. They both are in their 30s and will have problems avoiding injuries. Mundy has done a decent job but hasn't shown he is starting material. The Steelers may be able to re-sign him relatively cheap and be able to release Allen to save cap room.

Special teams

Shaun Suisham, kicker: Age: 30/31. Contract status: Signed for three more seasons. 2012 salary cap: $1.7 million. 2011 recap: Was inconsistent for most the season, hitting 23-of-31 field-goal attempts, including just 6-of-11 in the 40- to 49-yard range. Was 3-for-3 in the playoff loss in Denver.

Daniel Sepulveda, punter: Age: 28. Contract status: Unrestricted free agent. 2011 recap: Was not able to finish the season for the third time in four seasons. Punted in eight games with a 46.1 average before tearing his ACL in his right knee (plant leg) again.

Jeremy Kapinos, punter: Age: 28. Contract status: Exclusive rights free agent. 2011 recap: Punted in the last eight games and playoff game with a 45.0 average.

Greg Warren, long snapper: Age: 30/31. Contract status: Signed for one more season. 2012 salary cap: $925,000. 2011 recap: Didn't miss any time and was insignificant, as a long snapper should be.

Position analysis: Suisham will get another chance with the Steelers in 2012, but look for the team to bring in a high priority rookie free agent kicker to give him a battle. At this stage, it would seem appropriate to let Sepulveda sign elsewhere and continue on with Kapinos, who would be cheaper and is similar in production to Sepulveda. Warren deserves another year, unless a cheaper rookie free agent shows he can get the job done, too.